BENEFITS OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION There are many beneficial factors which have been produced due to regional integration

of the Caribbean states. Some of which are: Benefits of free trade The reduction of the price of goods, due to the removal of duties, taxes, quotas and licensing arrangements, have all contributed to generating a greater volume of trade. This leads to higher levels of demand for goods and services and with increased production, more employment is created for nationals. Benefits of common policies in dealing with non-member states and trans-national corporations The arrangement of preferential rates and special quotas can be established for Caribbean goods entering economic blocs such as the European Union and the United States of America. This especially refers to agricultural products such as bananas, sugar and their by-products, such as rum.

With the reduction of competition among member states in attracting foreign investment, better bargains can be negotiated by host countries when attracting foreign investors.

Better prices for extra-regional exports and cheaper prices for imports to the region from other international sources can be the result from a united voice among the member states.

Meteorology The Caribbean Meteorology Organisation, situated in Trinidad and Tobago, was established by Caricom Heads of Government to service the Caribbean region. It receives data on weather patterns for transmission to other Caricom states. Therefore, each member state is not required to establish its own satellite station. Hence, it acts as a cost savings tool which benefits the Least Developed Countries. Health The Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) was established as a result of the Caribbean Health Ministers Conference held in Dominica in 1973. The formation of the agency was in response to an urgent need for research into certain communicable diseases, around this period, which posed a threat to the health the Caribbean citizens. Urgent follow-up action was pursued and in collaboration with other health organizations CAREC began operation on January 1, 1975. This centre is equipped with laboratory facilities along with qualified staff to research diseases and their effects. The health of Caribbean people has been safe guarded due to the focus on research. The centre disseminates technical information and the introduction of new approaches to prevent diseases.

Environmental Health The issue of forming a regional environmental health institute was raised by the Caribbean Ministers of Health in 1979. In 1988, with its headquarters in St. Lucia, the persistence of this organ of Caricom led to the birth of the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI). The preservation and protection of the environment, particularly air, land and water is the institutes major concern. The operation of CEHI ensures that the Caribbean population will continue to live in a healthy, well protected environment.

Natural Disasters In 1991, with its headquarters in Barbados, the Caribbean Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) began operation through an arrangement made at a Heads of Government Conference. Natural disasters have constantly plagued the Caribbean region. Due to the activities of CDERA, the Caribbean people are fully aware of impending and prepared to deal, with natural disasters. To obtain assistance in times of calamities and to prevent disasters where possible are the agencys main objectives. Loss of life and damage to property are mitigated.

Agriculture The Caribbean region is dependent on the agricultural capabilities of states, both for export and local consumption. However, a plethora of problems have stifled the sector resulting in a high importation of goods over the years, even those produced within the Caribbean. The Ministers of Agriculture and Caricom Secretariat created the Caribbean Agriculture and Research Development Institute (CARDI), which, began operation in 1975. Its headquarters is located at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. The mandate given to CARDI is to mainly assist with the increased agricultural production within the states through various ways, but mainly through technical support. Funding to carry out its function is provided by the Caricom governments. Additional funds are sourced from the Caribbean Development Bank and other international lending agencies. CARDI will continue to make a positive impact on agriculture in the Caribbean through research and development.